Student Matinees
Metropolis prides itself on its diverse programming, and we offer several shows that are great for any school curriculum!
Student Matinee Pricing
Student Matinee tickets range in price from $11 – $16.
Parking
We offer free bus parking.
How to Book a Student Matinee
For school group pricing and availability, please get in touch with Jana Kramer, Group Sales Coordinator, at jkramer@metropolisarts.com or 847.577.5982 x228.
Guidelines for attending a show at Metropolis will be sent to all teachers who reserve tickets.
2026/27 Student Matinee Series
Who will win the race? The “slow and steady” Tortoise? Or the “fast and furious” Hare? This one-hour original musical based on the fable features a cast of all silly animals – and travels quickly through the County Fair Race! Don’t miss out on the fun!
Performance Dates: Monday, October 19th at 10am & 12pm
Tuesday, October 20th at 10am & 12pm
Wednesday, October 21st at 10am
Wednesday, October 21st at 12pm – Sensory Friendly Performance
Thursday, October 22nd at 10am
Duration: 60 minutes (no intermission) + 5-10 min Q&A following the performance
Recommended for: Preschool – 2nd Grade
Ticket Prices: $15/student
1 free chaperone ticket per 10 students, additional chaperone tickets are $15
Charles Dickens’ enchanting tale of redemption and hope comes to life in Arlington Heights’ favorite holiday tradition. On a snowy Christmas Eve brimming with memorable characters, ghostly apparitions and festive holiday music, miserly Ebenezer Scrooge visits the past, present and future to discover the true meaning of Christmas. Metropolis’ festive family favorite returns to delight audiences of all ages this holiday season!
Performance Dates: Thursday December 3rd, 10th, & 17th at 10am
Thursday December 3rd & 17th at 12:30pm
Friday December 4th & 18th at 10am
Friday, December 11th at 10am – Sensory Friendly Performance
Duration: 90 minutes (no intermission) + 5-10 min Q&A following the performance
Recommended for: Grades 3rd – 12th
Ticket Prices: $16/student
1 free chaperone ticket per 10 students, additional chaperone tickets are $16
This critically acclaimed musical tells the dramatic true life story of a Lake Michigan shipping captain who risked his life to share the Christmas spirit. In Manistique, Michigan in the late 1880’s, a German-American family is preparing for the holidays when they receive a fateful letter from a cousin in Chicago, expressing her longing for a Christmas tree like they had growing up in Germany. As it turns out, there are more than enough trees to go around in Manistique, and one man is brave enough to captain the journey through the treacherous Lake Michigan waves. The Christmas Schooner is a heartfelt tale of compassion, bravery, and the commitment to make the world a better place, based on the real life stories of the sailors who brought magic to Chicago families all those years ago.
Performance Dates: Wednesday, December 9th & 16th at 10am
Duration: 90 minutes (no intermission) + 5-10 min Q&A following performance
Recommended for: Grades 6th – 12th
Ticket Prices: $16/student
1 free chaperone ticket per 10 students, additional chaperone tickets are $16
Your favorite cool cat takes the stage in this delightful musical adaptation of the hit book series! For Pete the Cat, life is an adventure no matter where you wind up. So the minute the groovy blue cat meets The Biddles, he gets the whole family rocking. That is, except for young Jimmy Biddle, the most organized second grader on planet Earth. But when Jimmy draws a blank in art class during the last week of school, it turns out Pete is the perfect pal to help him out. Together, they set out on a mission to help Jimmy conquer 2nd grade and, along the way, they both learn a little something new about inspiration. Join Jimmy and Pete on an adventure of friendship, all the way to Paris and back in a VW Bus!
Curriculum Connections: Literature-Based, Communication and Language Arts, Music and Dance, Relationships and Family
Performance Dates: Monday, March 15th 2027 at 10am & 12pm
Tuesday, March 16th 2027 at 10am & 12pm
Wednesday, March 17th 2027 at 10am
Wednesday, March 17th 2027 at 12pm – Sensory Friendly Performance
Thursday, March 18th 2027 at 10am
Duration: 55 minutes (no intermission) + 5-10 min Q&A following the performance
Recommended for: Preschool – 3rd Grade
Ticket Prices: $15/student
1 free chaperone ticket per 10 students, additional chaperone tickets are $15
Based on the classic children’s book by E.B. White, this stage adaptation for young audiences brings to life the tale of an unexpected friendship between a determined pig and a wise spider. On a farm in the countryside, the barn is full of typical farm animals – some chatty geese, a gluttonous rat, and a humble spider perched in her corner web. But Wilbur the pig, the runt of the litter who was saved by the kind farm girl Fern, is all alone and awaiting a frightening fate. Luckily, he befriends the wise spider, Charlotte, who decides to use all her wits to help save Wilbur’s life. This lively and endearing show tells a story of bravery, selfless love, and how we take care of one another.
Performance Dates: Wednesday May 5th, 12th, 19th, & 26th at 10am
Thursday May 6th, 13th, 20th, & 27th at 10am
Friday May 7th, 14th, & 28th at 10am
Friday, May 21st at 10am – Sensory Friendly Performance
Duration: 55 minutes (no intermission) + 5-10 min Q&A following the performance
Recommended for: Grades K – 6th
Ticket Prices: $16/student
1 free chaperone ticket per 10 students, additional chaperone tickets are $16
Tickets for Hope
Title 1 Schools may apply for a reduced ticket price for students. This scholarship is limited, and is subject to committee review and availability of funds. Groups must make written request for discounts at least two weeks prior to the performance date. Email Jana Kramer at jkramer@metropolisarts.com for further information.
School Group Policies
RESERVATIONS
Metropolis suggests booking your School Group at least 4 months before a performance for best availability. Tickets typically go on sale in the late Spring for the following school year.
TEACHER/CHAPERONE TICKETS
Teachers/Chaperones will receive 1 complimentary ticket per 10 students. Additional teachers/chaperones will receive the student ticket price.
GROUP SALES AGREEMENT
A contract detailing performance and payment information will be emailed to the Group Leader once a reservation has been made.
PAYMENT
A signed Group Sales Agreement and full payment are due 2 weeks prior to the show date. After that due date, no changes may be
made, and the sale is final.
*Special arrangements can be made for alternate payment dates. Final payment must be made prior to performance date.
CANCELLATIONS
Cancellations must be made no later than 2 weeks before the show date. After the due date, the sale is final and the group is responsible for the total balance of the reservation even if there are unused tickets. There will be no refunds or credits.
SEAT COUNT
A final ticket count is appreciated 2 weeks prior to the performance date (students plus all teachers/chaperones).
ARRIVAL
School groups must arrive 20-30 minutes before showtime to allow for seating and restroom breaks.
UNLOADING/LOADING BUSES
The Village of Arlington Heights requires that all buses leave two car lengths open between them when unloading or loading passengers. Buses may not double park on Campbell Street.
SEATING
School Groups are seated as General Admission at the discretion of the House Manager. School Groups will be assigned to certain rows of the theatre based on group size and availability, which may include banquet style chairs at the rear of the theatre. School Groups will not receive printed tickets.